Since the return of Chris Bosh’s health issues, Miami Heat center Hassan Whiteside has played superbly.
Since the All-Star Break, Whiteside has averaged 18.5 points, 15.5 rebounds, and 3.9 blocks per game, while shooting 60% from the field and 82.9% on free throws. Wow, those are incredible numbers.
Whiteside’s teammates have taken notice of his improvement. From Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald.
Teammates notice a difference. Dragic said Whiteside is more engaged, “more focused. Sometimes you tried to tell him something [previously] and he didn’t listen too much. Now he’s doing that. The communication goes both ways.
“It’s not only about listening, it’s about talking — to give information out and receive information. He’s listening to the players and coaches and he’s doing his thing. It’s the most relaxed I’ve seen him. He’s just happy. He’s found that last step he needs in his game.”
Dwyane Wade has also been impressed with Whiteside:
It also helps that Whiteside, who shot 50 percent on free throws last season, is 28 for his last 30 and “shooting [free throws] better than everyone on our team right now,” Dwyane Wade said.
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Wade said Whiteside came back from the All-Star break “a different person on the floor and really focusing and being dominant night in and night out.”
Whiteside has been stepping up on both ends to make up for the absence of Chris Bosh, and his efforts are paying off. If he can keep up this level of play, the Heat could be a dangerous team come playoff time.
